For the Rockets, his absence is a setback. He is probably more of a long-term project than a source of immediate help, anyway, but they were eager to start trying to fit his unusual combination of talents into their mix. But while they go through workouts in McAllen without him, his absence is a reminder of his condition, not a revelation.

It is difficult to understand how a panic attack can be so debilitating, but to those that suffer, they are a knockout punch, an uncontrollable rush of emotion and adrenalin that overwhelms. There is a reason it is described with the word “attack.”

We don’t know if White had been overcome with panic attacks, keeping him from the Rockets training camp indefinitely, or if he has been stopped by less specific anxiety. The Rockets have said little, no doubt limited by league rules and legal issues.

White has, however, generally managed his condition well. If anything, his inability to report for Monday’s media day and Tuesday’s start of camp might indicate just what he overcame at Iowa State and since when he did successfully participate in the summer league and the NBA’s rookie orientation program.

For many that suffer from anxiety issues, significant transition periods – such as the start of training camp – can trigger the issues and even the attacks.

This did not just sneak up on White or the Rockets. They had been working to get through these turning points, likely as he explained when he spoke of dealing with his fear of flying. Preparation is usually key. Understanding what will happen so that changes don’t feel so new and threatening can relieve anxiety.

That seemed to work for White at Iowa State. He had the condition then too, but was able to overcome it.

The Rockets were willing to gamble on his talent and his ability to deal with his anxiety issues effectively. If he can manage his condition, he had a chance to be a bargain with the 16th pick and they had three first-round picks (six first-rounders from the past two drafts are on the roster) to limit the risk to the team overall.

White had seemed to be doing well. He had been working out at Toyota Center last month and represented the team at a function for season ticket holders last week. He even joked about his fear of flying, saying he did not have trouble flying to Las Vegas for summer league because it was his first time in first class where he said they keep the parachutes.

He and the Rockets did not, however, forget about the condition he battles. And when he does eventually practice and seems to fall into a routine, the issues will not be forever behind him.

Missing training camp will hurt in the short term. Actually, missing the trip to McAllen could lead to him spending parts of the season in McAllen. Considering how tough it will be to build a winner from a team filled with so many young players, the last thing the Rockets wanted to deal with on the first day of camp was a player absence, particularly because of an issue that will be ongoing.

This, however, might have been a stunning development that cannot be considered surprising. If anything, it might have been a surprise if he did not have the issues sometime as a rookie. Maybe it was most likely now, when his NBA career is just beginning.

If it was triggered by the dramatic change to come, the Rockets can hope that he will not have the same issues when playing and practicing and traveling in the NBA becomes routine.

Until then, they can let him work through his issues while understanding how common they are. If that was not understood before, White’s frequent openness about his issues have gone a long way toward educating as he battles the misconceptions, even while he continues to battle the issues themselves.